Arnold Schwarzenegger admits to having a child with member of household staff

By IBT Staff Reporter On 05/17/11 AT 9:46 AM

Last week news broke that former Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger and his wife Maria Shriver were separating.

To add to that the shocking news that Schwarzenegger fathered a child with a member of the household staff was revealed today. When Shriver, a broadcast journalist, was informed about this, she split with her husband. She and Schwarzenegger have four children together.

According to reports, Schwarzenegger fathered the child with a member of the household staff more than a decade ago. Schwarzenegger confirmed the paternity. The employee had retired in January after 20 years with the family, reports the Los Angeles Times.

After leaving the governor's office I told my wife about this event, which occurred over a decade ago. I understand and deserve the feelings of anger and disappointment among my friends and family. There are no excuses and I take full responsibility for the hurt I have caused. I have apologized to Maria, my children and my family. I am truly sorry, Schwarzenegger said in a statement to the Los Angeles Times.

He added, I ask that the media respect my wife and children through this extremely difficult time. While I deserve your attention and criticism, my family does not.

Schwarzenegger also admitted he provided for the child financially. Shriver's spokesman said that Shriver had no comment.